What we do

At UConn Forestry, we’re passionate about keeping our forests healthy, productive, and full of life! We showcase the latest stewardship practices for private landowners, land trusts, and local forests, focusing on enhancing wildlife habitats, producing sustainable wood products, and discovering innovative income opportunities.

We also work hard to protect water quality, safeguard rare and endangered species, and create welcoming spaces for recreation, education, and artistic inspiration. Our program fosters exciting research collaborations with the UConn community and other institutions, creating a lively outdoor learning environment where students can gain hands-on skills and practical experience in natural resource conservation.

Why we do it

We believe healthy, well-managed forests are essential to environmental resilience, local economies, and community well-being. We aim to protect Connecticut’s natural heritage for future generations by promoting innovative stewardship and conservation practices. We’re passionate about equipping our students with the skills and knowledge to carry these practices into their careers.

Our work supports sustainable resource use, boosts biodiversity, and enriches the experiences of everyone who connects with UConn’s beautiful natural spaces. Through education and hands-on experiences, we inspire a new generation of stewards excited about caring for our forests and natural resources.

In the UConn forest crew you would have an opportunity to participate in a chainsaw safety class and learn to use a variety of other small-scale forestry equipment including (but not limited to) log arches, tractors, and a portable sawmill. The crew is also made available to assist with a variety of research tasks from forest inventorying, data collection of all sorts, and experimental forestry management operations. They are frequently called upon to help with demonstrations of forestry practices or informational events for landowners, forest professionals, and other audiences. They produce firewood and boards and pick up some skills at woodworking. Cheeseboards are always in need but the crew has made benches and tables that can be seen in the halls of the young building, and they are even designing and building a new outdoor classroom pavilion. If you have an interest in joining the UConn Forest Crew, contact our extension forester and dendrology professor, Thomas.worthley@uconn.edu